INSERTING A METAL INSULIN PUMP SITE FOR THE FIRST TIME | t:slim X2 TruSteel
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Hello everyone! After many bent cannulas with my AutoSoft 90 sites, I am finally giving the TruSteel metal insulin pump sites a try. In today's video I take you through my journey of trying them for the first time! Are you using metal cannulas? Please leave any tips in the comments section below :)
Instructional video from Tandem Diabetes that I followed: • How To Insert a New Tr...
Time stamps:
0:00 Why I want to try a metal cannula
3:35 Calling Tandem Customer Support
5:37 Inserting the TruSteel site
9:20 My experience with the TruSteel
10:47 Removing the metal cannula
11:34 Inserting my second site
Disclosure: This video is not intended to be medical advice. Do not use this video as a guide for how to insert the TruSteel infusion set.
Instagram: miche_lo
music: www.epidemicsound.com
I've been using the metal sites for my T-slim for a years now, it is definitely a learning curve! I was actually told that the connecter piece is there so that if your tubing gets caught on something, it will pull on the connector rather than the actual metal piece! I also find that the tubing between the site and connecter does get a bit inconvenient sometimes, so I will typically just place a Band-Aid over it to keep it down. As for taking off the site, I take off the connector first and then usually peel off the adhesive part around the very outside (so only the very centre with the metal is still stuck), then grab the wings and pull up. Hope that makes sense!!
I've been using steel cannulas ("steelies") since I got a pump. Never used teflon (plastic) ones. Steelies work great for me. My feedback:
1. The connector piece has a dual purpose. First, it allows you to decouple the pump when for example you get into the shower. (So don't throw away the cap!) Second, it acts as a tension relief. Imagine for example that your tubing gets caught on a door handle. Without a tension relief, all that tension goes directly to your site and potentially rips it out. With the tension relief, all the tension goes there instead, and the actual site is unaffected. Great to prevent ripped out sites.
2. I do change the steelies every 2 days. I saw photos of cross sections of sites and how they develop after 1/2/3 days. This was very enlightening and showed why absorption can be noticeably worse on the 3rd day (tissue can build up around the cannula, since technically, the site is actually a micro trauma - the body is trying to heal that by isolating that foreign body).
3. When taking out a steelie, I recommend soaking it with baby oil to loosen the adhesive. Then peel off the adhesive around the actual cannula until all of it except the actual cannula are detached. Finally, grab two sides of the peeled off adhesive and pull out the steelie straight upwards. This reduces stress on the skin, and makes the removal painless.
4. And yeah, when inserting a steelie, do so with authority :) Just imagine how it was with pens or syringes. You don't insert a pen/syringe needle slowly, you just stick it in in one quick motion.
5. The small tubing that connects the cannula to the connector piece typically has a natural bend, as if forming the letter "C". I try to maintain that natural bend when inserting the cannula and sticking it & the connector piece to my body. Otherwise, the small tubing in between can stick out.
Thanks for explaining that they don't do free samples, knowing that will simplify my call on Monday.
First one I pulled out hurt bad! But realized I should peel the sticker off around the edges first then use the butterfly grips to pull straight out.
I’ve been very happy with the Tru-Steel infusion set (I used the comparable Sure-T for years when I was with Medtronic). I avoid getting too close to a nerve by touching the needle around on my skin (abdomen) until I hit a spot where I feel almost nothing, which usually means I won’t feel any pain going in, which also means there is not a blood vessel nearby. Thanks for your videos. You helped me to decide to switch from Medtronic to T-Slim (very glad I switched) and your videos helped train me on refilling the cartridge (I came back for a refresher). Now I’m about to watch your “turning 32, Tru-steel … update”. Belated Happy birthday and congratulations on the birth of your baby (it’s been a year since switching to T-Slim and watching several of your videos).
Hi Michelle I’ve had the metal site for two years now and I love it. You are such an inspiration to me. When I did my first site it wouldn’t really go in so I recommend a really hot wash cloth and push it against your skin for around 20 seconds so your skin is softened and it will be SO much easier.
Hope you are well💕💕💕💕
Yes, pop the steel cannula in quickly. It's just like when you take an actual injection-- you don't ease the needle in slowly because it's way too painful. I leave a little bit of slack in the tubing between the cannula and the disconnect. When I've accidentally pulled it too tight, movement of muscles or fat under my skin pulls on it and it becomes uncomfortable. Another thing I like about TruSteel is that if I put it in a site that doesnt absorb insulin, I can pop it out and stick it somewhere else. Then I just tape it down. I'm in my 48th year of diabetes, 12 years on pumps. The TruSteel is also the only reason I can still use my pump. Sites get scarred over the years of MDIs and infusion sets and for me, the soft cannulas only work on 4 or 5 places on my body. Good luck with your trial!
Yes! Any time I have a failure with any TSlim or Dexcom component I call and they send a free replacement right away. So call, call, call!
Be sure you write down or keep the important paper work from each item they will want the numbers like the lot etc. It’s hard to see but the clear lid on the Ocusaoft has info on it too!
I have always have pain-free insertions because I just don't insert slowly. Insertion doesn't have to be super fast, just don't go slow. I literally just put the needle next to my skin and just tap the plastic wings. As far as taking it off, I sometimes wet the tape with alcohol first and the tape part comes off easier. I also peel the tape off from the outside circumference and work my way to the inside. Once you are to the needle, just lift from opposite sides of the tape which causes the needle to come out strait. Lastly, I usually space the two tape pieces far apart so as not to have extra tubing come away from my body. Just like you suspect, spacing the two taped pieces (infusion and connection parts) far apart helps prevent them from getting pulled. You may not want to do this, but I usually put a piece of medical tape on the infusion needle part to give extra protection from it being pulled off. You can even put medical tape along the tube between the two parts that are actually stuck to your body because with Eden grabbing things, securing the infusion site may be a good idea.
Hi much Michelle I so proud of you. Thanks for being so real. I’ve been hesitant to try steel insertion. My diabetic nurse practitioner had suggested it after watching you I will try. Thanks so much. Take care Good wishes for you and your beautiful family. 🙋♀️
I started using steel cannulas almost immediately after I got my first pump back in 2014 because I struggled so much with bent needles. Never went back and never would anymore!
It takes some time to get used to the insertion process (for me, it really triggered some bad memories back to 2002 when I still used syringes and was traumatized every time I had to give myself insulin, so not fun) but I started to like the fact that you somehow have more control over what you're doing.
I always use some alcohol spray to detach the adhesive, take off the plaster all around the actual cannula and grab the plaster to pull it out straight. Like I said, love it and would never go back to the plastic ones!
I use them.. I change every 3 to 4 days.. don’t make the tubing between anchor and site to far apart.. it will pull when you move in different ways and be uncomfortable. For added security I place a iv3000 over the actual site cover the whole thing because you don’t need access to it since the connection is in the anchor.. to remove I pull the iv3000 off and then lift the tape around the whole site.. once lose I then pull the needle straight out. **side note if I’m doing something physical like a work out or wearing a shirt where the site is exposed I just use a piece of medical tape to tape down the anchor tubing so it doesn’t catch anything. Hope that helps
I love all your videos!! I have had T1D for almost a year so these videos are super inspiring!
Thanks for sharing this! I find these videos so helpful as I’m looking to switch over to try-steel cannulas!
Inspirational!!! Ty😊
The exact reason why is switched!❤
Hi Michelle! When I use TruSteel, what I do is I find a middle ground for the distance between the site and attachment. Because I am active I find that my tubing pulls sometimes (which is 10x more painful then the auto soft when it pulls) and I prefer a small loop of tubing so that if my buddy attachment pulls it doesn’t pull the steel needle. I also use plenty of authority when pulling out and inserting, like a bandaid. Most of my paints are high waisted so I just tuck the tubing so it forms a “u” and not a “n” which helps. In addition I grab the disk above the needle (the plastic bends up to a v) so I get better grip when I insert. Thank you so much for the wonderful content!
Thanks for posting this! It’s so nice to get personal experience stories about possible products for us type 1 diabetics! Thanks again for sharing 💜
Hello , as you could see the needle had two wings . You flatten it up a bit with your index finger and thumb, so you can hold and set the needle better, faster and painlessly! Greetings from Northwest Germany .......
I considered the tru-steel canula, but I'm a hairy guy, and having to shave a spot every three days is bad enough. If I had to shave TWO spots, I might as well just wax my whole abdomen once a month, which I think would upset my wife...and me, lol. I've been lucky not to have any bent canulas with my Autosoft XC sites so far, but I'm new to the pump (only a month or so). Thank you for taking us along your first try with these :-)
So cool didn't know they had metal ones.
Thanks to your tips I now leave my old sites in for a few hours after I change them so I don't miss any insulin. 🥰
20 years later and always learning something new about this disease.
Yes! I had no idea about doing that! My 11 year old takes it off immediately as we put a new one in, I didn’t know about leaving it in a few hours after
Thank you, my first time using the metal cannula will see how the next 3 days go.
Every time I watch your videos I’m changing my pump site 😄 I love your videos.
love your videos! thank you for sharing
Thank you for this information. I’m going to be getting on the pump and my Doctor suggested this one. ☺️
Dear Michelle, hugs to you and Eden. Good for you! I love your videos and I'm going to ask for a few trusteels to try before I order my next 3 month supply! Thank you so much for all you do and teach us with your RUclips channel! You're the best (like better than the manufacturers' videos), and I think you're awesome as we move through this together! I have most luck taking mine out with both hands for the most even pressure maybe and it closely follows the line straight out. 🤗
My daughter has been using trusteel sites for a little over a year now they have worked well for her. Btw we love your videos! My daughter is 10 and has had t1d for almost two years now. Thank you for being open and sharing your experiences with t1d. And yes faster insertion with trusteel makes it less painful 😆
Also, You can make the small amount of tubing create a ‘loop’ if that makes sense. Once you insert the needle part, you turn over the connector part to create the loop then adhere connector to your body. We use those clear IV patches over the loop and needle site to prevent it from getting caught on anything. For easier removal we first loosen up the adhesive all around the needle, then pinch adhesive part and those plastic wings and remove at the same 90 degree angle. Hope this helps!
Check out mastering diabetes
My 12 yr old uses nothing but TruSteel with no issues. She’s a dancer and the auto soft cannulas weren’t working for her at all. She just doesn’t have the right abdomen for the auto soft. So thankful for the TruSteel! We change every 3 days. She didn’t like the 2 things stuck to her either plus her Dexcom but it’s been a game changer!
perfect timing i just started mt tslim 2 days ago and already had 2 bad sites in a row with the autosoft 90. definitely gonna call tandem and see if i can get a replacement box but of the tru steel instead!
I am SO thankful that my first endo started me with Medtronic's steel infusion set. When I changed to TSlim X2 I went right to the Tru Steel. I love them. AND, I DO love that second connector piece. So when my pump falls off my waist band for whatever reason, it is not pulling at the pump itself - it pulls on the connector piece instead. I find that the site only hurts for two different reasons . 1) I put a bandaid over the needle site as well because I live in a very humid place - so kind of as extra stickiness and makes me feel better about it...but if I pull off the bandaid too quickly, it will move the needle point around which can cause pain. 2) Putting the needle in a "bend" place on my waist, sometimes directly on the waistband of my pants, or putting it on love handles and sleeping on my side can all cause a bit of pain. Working out when you put the needle in a spot where I bend can sometimes bother me so I try to be careful about that. Sometimes after a couple of days, if the site is right where my waistband for my pants sit can be painful. Finally, when I inadvertently sleep on my side and have the infusion set there, it can literally tear me up. Think about all that moving around or rolling and it is moving that needle ever so slightly. Ouch. However, after watching videos of YOU and others and those bent cannulas, I am SO happy I started with these!
Thanks for that and I need to get a pump still deciding which one to get
You did great I learn so much from your Videos
And the baby is growing so fast
Thanks again
Use a skin grip for freestyle libre or insertion sites. Place around the needle adhesive and over top of the short tubing to keep it secure and hold the needle more stable. I love these they are life changing. Also, prep with adhesive remover then use the wings on the back of the needle to stabilize peel up as much of the tape as you can then pull straight out. Hope this helps!!
Great Video Michelle!! Hope You,Eden And Raffi Are doing Good!🤗🤗❤️
Tap it in like a thumb tack! Been using them forever I like them!
I love the Tru-Steel sites! Had to switch over from the Autosoft after I was experiencing a reaction to the plastic cannulas. I definitely find that I need to insert the Tru-Steel quickly otherwise I also experience a bit of a pin prick sensation, but one method that helps me is to fold back the little plastic tabs at the top of the site and to pinch those together for better grip while inserting. For removal, I pull the edges around the entire perimeter of the site and then try to take it out at the same angle it was inserted at. I find that when I just peel it directly off, the needle catches on my skin (ouch!). Hope that helps! Have been loving seeing more videos from you lately and am glad you, Eden, and Raffi are doing well!
I've not had any cannula issues with the autosoft but I have had trouble with them not fully inserting and being very painful to insert/ painful insulin delivery so this was a great video. I'm scared of a metal cannula because my tubing gets caught on things often but the self insertion is pretty appealing. Thank you so much for this informative video!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one that has had problems with the sites
Thanks for showing us your first attempt at using the TruSteel sites! I'm currently waiting on my t:slim to come in the mail, and I chose to go with TruSteel because I've been struggling with poor absorption with Omnipod. I feel like my skin doesn't like the plastic cannula. I'll be a little less nervous to do the insertion on my first site now that I've watched you do it!
Thank you for the video. Helps out a lot. Unfortunately my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a year and a half old. Been a rough ride for me in the past 6 months. Started the pump only about a week ago. Your video is super informative! I sincerely appreciate it.
Hi Michelle, I always love your videos!!! ❤️❤️I’m not too much of a fan of the metal needle, stopped when I was a child but you can use the back plastic “wings” to hold it better and be less painful to insert. So fold the back plastic above the needle backwards to create the wings and hold it more straight. And the extra sticker is too also protect the site as it can scar if the pump is dropped, I wouldn’t have it too far apart but that’s preference I think. Hope it helps but I haven’t used these sites in like 10 years 😅
I’ve been using steel cannulas for many years and I strongly agree with what you said about inserting with confidence! That’s essential for me to insert without pain (or fear). Kudos to you for trying something new!
And for removal, I just peel up the tape on either side of the wings until I can pinch the tape up with the wings, and just pull right out vertically each time. Never fails and never hurts! Bleeding is also minimized this way for me. Helps to avoid jostling the needle around when taking it out.
I hope this works for you, but I’ll stay tuned if you find something better! I’m always curious about infusion sets I haven’t tried yet.
I’ve been using tru steel canulas for a few years now after having consistent bent flexible canulas and resulting DKA. The steel canulas solve the problem, but are a pain to insert. I also don’t always time up my cartridge changes with my site changes, so I have to run through the “fill canula” process twice with the Tandem to get it primed. I always do that prior to insertion. I also could not figure out what the second patch was for until I dropped my pump; I was really glad it had that other patch to pull on instead of pulling the needle sideways under my skin or pulling it out completely!
My 11 year old t1d drops hers accidentally a lot. I’m glad to find out that to help with that
I switched to TruSteel for the same reason. Too many bent cannulas. It took some getting used to but what a difference! Best wishes for you with the switch.
Great your back love your videos hope your enjoying your time with eden love you could you do a video on carb ratios I cant get it right thanks so much xx
I been using the Trusteele for over two years I had issues with the Autosoft bend cannula early in my pumping journey. I change every three to four days. I generally fill it then when it completely empty before I change it.
I use the sure T system which is very similar to this one, I don’t place the site and connector far apart but I create a loop with that tubing and then I tape down the site and connector really well, especially if I need it to last for 3 days! Also been using this infusion set for over 10 years and I still insert and remove them extremely slow because even though I’m t1d I’m still afraid of needles😅 To remove I suggest gently lifting up the edges of the tape around the site or atleast create a little lifted tab on the right and left sides, and the. I use both hands to pinch each side and lift straight out, if you pull at an angle or go too fast then you’ll feel it a lot more. As long as you pull it straight out and not at an angle you should be good! Best of luck on your journey with a metal pump site!
I wish everyone best of luck with that system
Great review
Tru steel is the way to go! No more kinks in the cannula. Had nothing but problems with the soft xc infusion sets when I got my pump a couple months ago. Change every three days. Also the second sticker is great so when tubing gets hung up it pulls on that first! It’s also where you detach.
I always get 2 box's of tru-steel and 1 box of auto soft 90. I use 2 Tru, to 1 Auto. Cause my poor son seems to take a while to heal. Works great and started using his thigh over his tummy atm. So glad your trying it cause we have only had 1 fail of the Tru-steel since last year July. Had more that 5 fails of the auto soft. But 1 of those he moved.
P.s pull up the butterfly bit to help put the site in ♡
I too, have had numerous problems with those cannulas...so, I'm going to start using the "True Steel". I've been hesitant myself!
Is it possible that you’re even more pretty since Eden was born? Your wisdom is such a great asset in managing T1. 🙏💙
That was really interesting, It took me the end up the video to work out in my head why the TruSteel doesn't have an autoainserter. And then finally was like: "Oh yeah, it's not a plastic cannula. It's literal needle. It pierces the skin. Nothing to retract." I'm a genius lol.
My 12 year old daughter uses true steel also. Has been great. She usually pulls the adhesive up under each of the plastic wings then folds it up and pulls straight out. This Makes like a handle to pull it out. I usually fold up the plastic tabs like a handle to insert it also. We usually change site every 3 days with no problem. Also alittle lidocaine topical cream applied to skin a few mins before inserting can make it almost pain free. Make sure skin dry first.
Hi Michelle. I just want to say that I’m finding T1D quite hard lately especially at school and you are such an inspiration! I hope you, Raffi & Eden are well💕
Thank you Anna! I'm so sorry that you have been struggling lately. Managing T1D while in school is really tough, so give yourself some grace 💕. You are doing the job of an organ after all! I hope things get easier for you soon.
@@MichelleLord Thank you so much Michelle💕
I also use this pump and your going to love trusteel I used those sites for like a month and switched lol I never have any issues at all!
I was having issues a little while back where my autosoft sites would leak after disconnecting and reconnecting. I got a few trusteel samples from my endo, then I purchased a box not long after. I find them comfortable enough, but I do wish they came with longer tubing. I use the 43" autosoft, and I like the freedom it gives while changing clothes or if my kids accidentally snag it while we play. When I take the trusteel sites off, I try to peel up as much adhesive as I can, then fold the 2 plastic flaps away from my body and pull straight out. It seems to work pretty well most times.
You are braver than me. I would never use a steel site. Wow. I got queasy just watching you insert and remove it!
They are actually painless. I use the steel cannulas with no problem but I don't dare look at a phlebotomist when they stick a needle in my arm for medical blood testing--I am sure I might faint. I think because she was hesitant with her infusion set, it looked far worse than it actually is.
Thanks for this Michelle. I have used the AutoSoft 90 with the 6mm cannula for around 3 years now. I had the odd bent cannula in the past but nothing like as of lately. In the past 2-3 months, I have had roughly 8 of them and yesterday alone, 2 in a row. That is why I am now searching for answers. I think I will call and ask for a sample of the TruSteel as well. What I don't get is why the TruSteel has the second attachment (to keep the tubing from pulling the site out) and the AutoSoft version does not. I have caught the tubing on so many things lol. BTW, loved the low trending sugar when on the phone. That always happens to me...important event in life, "oh great, I am going low".
Cheers
When I first got on the tslim I had problems with autosoft with all the bent cannulas, so I've basically only used Trusteel since!
1. For placing the anchor and site on my body, I put them just far enough to where they aren't pulling on one another. I've placed them too far apart from each other before and it's a really awkward feeling to feel them tugging on one another, if that makes any sense.
2. When taking the Trusteel cannula off, I basically make sure the adhesive is peeled off all the way around and then I sort of pinch the plastic piece with my thumb and finger on both sides and try to pull it straight out at a 90-degree angle! It works like a charm each time. I've had to use adhesive removal wipes only a few times but I feel like that always leaves residue on me afterwards.
I had to stop completely with the pump (was a Medtronic as Tandem is not offered here in Spain) because my skin is so weird (no kids) and was having to change sites every single day, so just decided that MDI was better for me. I know it’s tempting to keep the site active for longer, and it’s great if you can get away with it, but just be aware that tiny bits of scar tissue can start to form and can start to cause less available sites in the future, so I’d advise against leaving that cannula in for four days. Just my personal opinion and experience. I would make three my maximum time between changes, however everybody’s different so find what’s best for you and go with that. Good luck. Thanks for the video! 🥰
I used the sure t sites with Medtronic and I placed the two adhesive sites the same distance as you, but my baby is now 20 years old lol, so I didn’t have the issues you may with that. I also never pinched up skin to place the cannula, I held it steady with one hand and slapped it to my skin quickly and with a tiny bit of force..never hurt doing it that way, but I was thoroughly creeped out about a metal cannula and insertion for a while. Taking it out, I always tried to do that either quickly at an angle, but mostly would hold on finger directly above the needle and peel up the adhesive, then kind of try to squeeze the plastic parts (if I remember correctly, the sure t’s have a circle of plastic that separates and bends up, like wings) those parts make insertion and removal much easier, although I never used them for insertion. The extra adhesive site is there just in case something comes in contact with the whole site, like extra protection..and trust me, you’ll appreciate it if you ever get your tubing wrapped around a door handle or Eden pulls at it, etc. I didn’t like it, but was glad it was there at the same time 😆 and there were plenty of times where my tubing got tugged on..I don’t think I ever lost a site with the sure t’s. I’ve recently stopped using them only because my range of motion is lacking these days and I find the Mio advance much easier to insert. Good luck with them!! I hope they do well for you!!!
Michelle!!! Love this video - i'm doing a sure-t steel cannula review on my channel soon as well. SAME REASON - too many bent/occluded cannulas lately.
They have a similar one for Medtronic it’s called sure t and they were amazing
Great video. Been using TruSteel for a few months now. I change my pump every three days. No issues. Make sure you apply some Skin Tac, so it will stay on. Ha1c 5.1. Time in Range always over 94% for me
Thanks for the tip! I've actually had issues with my last 2 sites coming off early due to adhesive issues. I will try using some Skin Tac next time :)
@@MichelleLord - Perfect, lmk how it goes. Best of luck :)
I've been using TruSteel since October 2021. I use Tegaderm Film and place it over the insertion site & small tubing (not over the connector) to avoid accidentally catching my thumb on the tubing.
My son used the Sure-T infusion set with a metal needle for years due to the plastic canula's bending but also just clogging up. He did find them uncomfortable when leaning on them.
The steel needle of a Trusteel Set is the same gauge that the last generation of syringe needles used to be, but half as long.
- The best way to insert it is the same as if you were making an injection with a syringe. Clean the area with alcohol, let the Alcohol dry 100%, and without hesitation pinch up and jab it in. You cannot stick it in too deep,. The skin you're pinching should feel cold. If not hold the ice cube on 5 seconds longer.
The slower you push at the end,the more of your attention will be focused on it and the more pain you will experience. The majority of that pain comes from hypersensitivity caused by your focusing your attention. Today's needles are much sharper and better lubricated than they used to be.
- If you continue to have problems with pain during the insertion, try this trick. Before you wipe the area down with alcohol, hold an ice cube against the skin for 15 to 20 seconds. Immediately wipe it down with alcohol. As soon as it dries do the insertion. Your brain will perceive the sensation as cold instead of pain.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m jealous you get the pink ones lol. All I ever get are the gray. Their boring 🤣🤣🤣 I LOVE PINK 💝💞💖💕💘💗💓
Thank you for your videos! I’ve been a type one diabetic now for almost 2 years, I’m 22 and 16 weeks pregnant with our first baby😍 I use the tandem pump also and it’s a life saver my last A1C was 5.4
Hi Marla. Just scrolling through comments and HAD to congratulate you. As a T1 (60 years duration) and a retired DE, I know how hard you must be working to achieve that level of control for your baby! Don’t forget your insulin requirements will alter significantly during your pregnancy.
@@Nobodyknowsreally awww thank you so much for commenting!! It’s so nice to hear from others who are and have been going through the same thing! And thank you for the heads up! I’ve been working lots with my Doctors on it!
Hey Michelle! I love your videos. I just wanted to say that I had the bent cannula problem with my Auto Soft 90 infusion sets. So I opened up all three boxes I had and I looked in the packaging and 25/30 infusion sets had bent cannulas. They must have sent out a bad lot. I called and got the Auto Soft XC which were my favorite before I was unable to get them due to a supply shortage. Now I check the packages in all my new boxes to make sure they are not bent. I had 5 days of bad blood sugar before I figure it out. Thanks for all your videos they help me keep going!
I couldnt see how to tell if they are bent before removing them from the body. I.e. before inserting too…
@@KitsyAirey if you look through the packaging you can see if the needle inserter is bent. On mine the needle was visibly bent.
Where did you get your pump clip? I started out with a bent needle Minimed but felt the needle so had to stop using. Interested to see how you do😊love your channel
hi! i use sure-t from medtronic (the exact same cannula) and i usually put in the cannula, then stretch my body and put the connector almost as far away as possible. the trick is for it not to be too far because it will cause tension when you move, it need to be just a little bit loose to give room for movement!
the connector is a safety thing for whtn your catheter catches onto something like a door handle and tear off your skin. when it's a soft cannula it's not too traumatic, but when a steel cannula gets ripped from your body it's not pleasant i tells ya (happened to me several times when i tore it off with my pants when the cannula is in the belt area)
that is also why you need to remove steel cannulas at 90 degree angels :) just try using the grips on top of it
thank you so much for your videos :) i always feel better after watching them
oh, also what helped me with fear of pain from inserting a steel cannula is knowing that it's basically the same as a syringe needle for an insulin pen. it's the same thickness and length (6mm). i was ok with these needles while on MDI and it's basically the same thing
That is why I switched to metal infusion sets
Hey, I had to use the Medtronic steel sites for years as I once bent 7 quick sets on insertion. Steel is surprisingly comfortable.
For the second patch I was told it's so nothing tugs at the site in case you drop your pump or get the tubing on a doorknob. Just make sure that there is a little slack in it.
For removal, try peeling both sides of the tape up and pulling straight out. Good luck!
I loveTru Steel and have used them for years-over 10. The auto soft never worked for me. They bend or would just close up and swell. I thought I might be allergic to them. Put the Tru Steel in fast where you have some fat. I cover it with a transparent bandage over the needle portion because I am very active. I put the two adhesive pads about 1 inch apart. To remove, Peel from both sides of adhesive patch and pull straight out. 3 days works and I have gone longer in a pinch.
Hey I use Omnipod pump insoline but i want to change tendom 😊
I wish the coloured options of the T-Soft 90 were available in Australia. They don't make them here anymore and only supply the default colour. :( I would love pink!
I've used the autosoft as I switched from Medtronic. The trusteel infusion sets seemed better although I've gone thru 6 of them in the past 3 days . I keep getting occlusions. I hope that won't be the case for you .
We have always used the tru steel but my daughters afraid to do it her self but wanted to try the 90° but are fear is the cannula especially because of scar tissue
I also had persistent bent cannulas and tried TruSteel. I really couldn’t stand them and somehow kept messing up the insertion (I one time didn’t actually puncture the skin and proceeded to have a high just as if I’d had a bent cannula). I ended up switching back to the Autosoft 90 but with a longer cannula and it’s been smooth sailing. It also turns out I was probably pressing too hard upon insertion, although given your long history of proper insertions pre-pregnancy this may not be an issue for you. The combo of the longer cannulas and modified insertion technique have been great. Good luck whatever you choose!
So interesting! Thanks for sharing, Tara. I never thought about trying the longer cannula for the autosoft. I will consider that if the TruSteel doesn't work out!
Wow, I have a hard time imagining how you could have not inserted the needle.
Bent cannulas from scar tissue is exactly why I went back to insulin pens. Having been on the pump for 30+ years is what created the scar tissue.
I gave TruSteel a try and they are ok but for me I like the longer 43 inch AutoSoft XC as I prefer to place my tubing up under my shirt from my abdomen and out from my shirt collar and then clip the pump to my shirt collar.
Have u ever tried the dexcom?
I always fill my cartridge with 300 and I use my site until it’s empty could be up to 4.5 days
Hey Michelle. Beim Anbringen der Stahlnadel keine Hautfalte bilden. Ich fixiere den Nadelteil mit einem atmungsaktiven Pflaster. Oftmals auch den kleinen Zwischenschlauch weil ich sonst hängen bleibe.
Zum Abziehen des runden Klebepflasters verwende ich eine Pinzette. Mit ihr löse ich alle Seiten und nehme zwei gegenüber liegende Seiten zwischen Daumen und Zeigefinger zum rausziehen. Stahlnadeln hinterlassen keine so grossen Löcher in der Haut wie die Plastikdinger. Hoffe konnte helfen. Liebe Grüsse Suse
I have tried the Medtronic version. I thought they were fantastic and not having to carry around extra inserters is great. Sadly they irritated me too much.
I used trusteel for 4 years but it was painful constantly and I had a lot of mental breakdowns on site change days😂 I learned that some people’s nerves are more sensitive than others, sadly I’m one of them
Just guessing here but, could imagine the steel ones being a bit like taking an injection without the syringe or pen to hold. But if using the same speed you would if using a pen, then maybe it would feel less cringeworthy for you when you change your site.
Just a wild guess from someone who doesn’t have an issues with needles at all but only has personal experience of taking B12 injections and Clexane (blood thinner) and those needles were a lot bigger than any needles used for insulin delivery. I’d poke around a bit to find a spot that wasn’t instantly sore and then just go for it and I never had an issue :)
I've used them for a handful of years now. I occasionally have some that just hurt and have to replace. Otherwise, they do better for me. I just insert quickly usually pinching up a big section of skin.
Slower insertion= pain lol. I use my upper butt/love handles a lot. Seems to be less aggravated. Side note, Definitely iv tape over it. Even with tape, I've caught tubing and ripped out many of them
My doc said 2-3 days. Sometimes last day my bg starts to increase and I change earlier.
I pull them out quickly. Grab a side of adhesive and pull at angle.
I align the two spots so I can over the middle tubing as much as possible with the iv tape. I use iv3000 6cmx7cm
@@brittanyluchtefeld9731 Ooh, pulling out an angle sounds painful. I pull straight out.
Have you ever tried OMNIPOD? So easy, no tubes and no pump. I absolutely love it.
I have!! It wasn’t for me though. Glad you love it :)
Tandems customer care number is on the back of your pump 😊
Im now on omnipod and I never go that low
Ouch! I literally felt pain as that needle went in. I don't think id be able to switch! Looks too scary lol. Btw, how did you know there is was an issue with the cannula?
I literally just put the needle on my skin and just tap the top flat portion. I never feel the very short needle. A person knows they have a bent cannula because the bent cannulas prevent insulin from going into the body which of course causes high blood sugars.
Try the Varisoft sets. They are manual insertion but are not metal and allow for choice of angle of insertion. I have only had maybe 2 bent cannulas in 20 years of pumping.
Thanks for the tip! Great to know that you have had good luck with them. I've never tried the Varisoft sets before, but I have a feeling they are similar to the Medtronic Silhouette, which worked well for me when I was a teen.
I use the Varisoft sets as well. I did the manual insertion at first but then noticed the set is very close to identical to the Medtronic Silhouette. You only need to remove the two projections on the upper clamp of the Medtronic inserter. The slots on the insertion needle on the Varisoft are on the opposite side as compared to the Silhouette so those projections need to be removed. I prefer an inserter: more consistent entry angle and click it is in.
I tried varisoft once or twice. Ugh, the needle was so long that I couldn't insert quickly. I had to slowly push it in. Nerve-wracking for me.
I would soak the adhesive with an alcohol wipe then pull straight up by the plastic tabs. The idea of a metal needle in my body freaks me out too! 😬
There is two because of security - with metal cannula you can be "hurt" if you accidentally whip it out ;)
It never stopped putting insulin in me
I literally just shut my pump off because my cannulas keep getting bent
Omg with my comments lol but I lift all the way around then lift it straight out